Russian President Vladimir Putin has indicated willingness to speak with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky “if necessary,” the Kremlin has said. The announcement is made as top Russian and US envoys are to meet in Saudi Arabia to negotiate an end to the years-long conflict in Ukraine.
Notably, the discussions in Saudi Arabia, which prioritize the war in Ukraine, are taking place without the representation of Ukraine. President Zelensky has addressed the matter strongly, stating that “Kyiv cannot recognize any agreements or discussions concerning us unless we are involved.”
Zelensky will visit Saudi Arabia a day after the all-important meeting between American and Russian officials. His spokesman, Sergiy Nykyforov, stated that Zelensky would not be holding talks with either Russian or American officials while there. The visit, which includes his wife, Olena Zelenska, was touted as a “long-planned” official visit, with later visits to the UAE and Turkey.
European nations and NATO allies are becoming alarmed at what they perceive as a sudden shift in U.S. policy toward Moscow. The Riyadh meeting will also address the potential for a summit between former President Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin in an effort to defuse tensions between the two powers.
Putin’s readiness to sit down with Zelensky has been viewed as an encouraging sign of the possible cessation of hostilities and an end to the ongoing war, which has lasted for three years, resulting in massive loss of life and extensive destruction. The war has also put severe strain on the global economy, with a number of leaders, including Trump, demanding its speedy resolution.
Moscow has also shown the necessity for a resolution, spurred primarily by the economic expenses of the conflict and Western sanctions. However, Russia has made it obvious that it would rather exclude Europe and NATO allies from the negotiations, accusing them of attempting to prolong the conflict.
The Kremlin has repeatedly condemned NATO’s growing presence in Eastern and Central Europe. Prior to invading Ukraine with its full-scale military assault, Russia demanded the removal of NATO troops, equipment, and bases from Eastern European member states that it had regarded as being in its sphere of influence during the Cold War.
